KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) is working closely with Indian authorities to resolve regulatory challenges concerning medical glove imports, reaffirming its commitment to ethical practices and full compliance with Indian regulations.
MRC is dedicated to upholding high ethical standards and ensuring Malaysia's glove exports meet India's regulatory requirements, according to chief executive officer Muhammad Eizaaz Muhammad Redzuan.
He underscored the importance of transparency and responsible business practices in building and maintaining trust with global stakeholders.
Operating under a Board of Trustees appointed by the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, MRC's mission is to promote premium Malaysian rubber and rubber products globally while providing commercialisation support to enhance their success locally and internationally.
India has long been a key market for Malaysian glove manufacturers, but recent concerns raised by the Indian Rubber Manufacturers Association (IRGMA) over regulatory compliance have prompted MRC to take action.
To address these issues, MRC has scheduled a working visit to India in August 2024 to engage with key regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Additionally, MRC is focused on ensuring compliance with India's Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016 and Medical Device Rules 2017, particularly regarding the use of chlorinated gloves.
The CPCB has recognised challenges with the existing regulations, which do not specify allowable chlorine content for medical gloves, and has committed to addressing these technical issues.